New daily persistent headache was first described
by Vanast in 1986 as a benign form of chronic daily headache
that improved without therapy. In the headache specialistís
office, new daily persistent headache is anything but benign and
is thought to be one of the most treatment refractory of all
headache conditions. Little is known about this syndrome. It
is unique in that the headache begins daily from onset, typically
in a patient without a history of headache, and can continue for
years without any sign of alleviation despite aggressive
treatment. This article discusses the epidemiology, diagnostic
criteria, clinical characteristics, and treatment strategies for
new daily persistent headache.